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Elia E, Caneparo C, McMartin C, Chabaud S, Bolduc S. Tissue Engineering for Penile Reconstruction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:230. [PMID: 38534504 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The penis is a complex organ with a development cycle from the fetal stage to puberty. In addition, it may suffer from either congenital or acquired anomalies. Penile surgical reconstruction has been the center of interest for many researchers but is still challenging due to the complexity of its anatomy and functionality. In this review, penile anatomy, pathologies, and current treatments are described, including surgical techniques and tissue engineering approaches. The self-assembly technique currently applied is emphasized since it is considered promising for an adequate tissue-engineered penile reconstructed substitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Elia
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Christophe Caneparo
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Catherine McMartin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Stéphane Chabaud
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bolduc
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale/LOEX, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
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Cao Z, Liu L, Jiao H, Gan C, Tian J, Zhang T, Han B. A Preliminary Study of Constructing the Tissue-Engineered Corpus Cavernosum With Autologous Adipose Stem Cells In Vivo. Sex Med 2022; 10:100563. [PMID: 36087453 PMCID: PMC9537274 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The autologous skin flap is still the mainstream method for penile reconstruction, but it is very difficult to reconstruct a functional corpus cavernosum. Tissue engineering provides a new idea aiming to restore the damaged or absent corpus cavernosum. Aim To assess the feasibility of constructing the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum with autologous adipose stem cells in a rabbit model. Methods A total of 30 New Zealand male white rabbits. Among them, 20 rabbits were used to obtain the original corpus cavernosum which were used to prepare the acellular corporal scaffolds (ACSs). The others were used for acquiring autologous adipose stem cells (ADSCs) and constructing tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum in vivo. Outcome ACSs were obtained from rabbit penile tissues through an established decellularization procedure. Rabbit autologous ADSCs as seed cells were harvested and expanded. The ADSCs seeded and unseeded ACSs were implanted back into the intramuscular and subcutaneous site in vivo, and the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum was harvested and analyzed with gross morphology, histological staining, and real-time PCR assay after 1, 3, and 6 months. Results ACSs were successfully prepared. The cell non-cytotoxicity and integrity of micro-architecture of ACSs was confirmed in vitro. The cell-seeded scaffold in the intramuscular group was considered as the better strategy for constructing the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum compared with the other groups. Some α-SMA and CD31 positive cells were detected and identified by immunofluorescent staining and real-time PCR assay in the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum. Clinical Translation This study provides a new method for constructing the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum. Strengths and Limitations First, it is urgent to improve the transformation rate of the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells from ADSCs. Second, the scaffold harvested in this study was not a complete matrix. Third, further study is needed to explore the potential mechanism of which scaffolds are more suitable for living in intramuscular rather than subcutaneous environment. Conclusion In this study, we used the autologous ADSCs as seed cells, the acellular corpus cavernosum as scaffolds, and implanted the grafts back into the rabbit model to preliminarily construct the tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum. This study would provide help for further development in tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum. Cao Z, Liu L, Jiao H, et al. A Preliminary Study of Constructing the Tissue-Engineered Corpus Cavernosum With Autologous Adipose Stem Cells In Vivo. Sex Med 2022;10:100563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Cao
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiang Liu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hu Jiao
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Gan
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Tian
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tiran Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Adil A, Xu M, Haykal S. Recellularization of Bioengineered Scaffolds for Vascular Composite Allotransplantation. Front Surg 2022; 9:843677. [PMID: 35693318 PMCID: PMC9174637 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.843677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic injuries or cancer resection resulting in large volumetric soft tissue loss requires surgical reconstruction. Vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA) is an emerging reconstructive option that transfers multiple, complex tissues as a whole subunit from donor to recipient. Although promising, VCA is limited due to side effects of immunosuppression. Tissue-engineered scaffolds obtained by decellularization and recellularization hold great promise. Decellularization is a process that removes cellular materials while preserving the extracellular matrix architecture. Subsequent recellularization of these acellular scaffolds with recipient-specific cells can help circumvent adverse immune-mediated host responses and allow transplantation of allografts by reducing and possibly eliminating the need for immunosuppression. Recellularization of acellular tissue scaffolds is a technique that was first investigated and reported in whole organs. More recently, work has been performed to apply this technique to VCA. Additional work is needed to address barriers associated with tissue recellularization such as: cell type selection, cell distribution, and functionalization of the vasculature and musculature. These factors ultimately contribute to achieving tissue integration and viability following allotransplantation. The present work will review the current state-of-the-art in soft tissue scaffolds with specific emphasis on recellularization techniques. We will discuss biological and engineering process considerations, technical and scientific challenges, and the potential clinical impact of this technology to advance the field of VCA and reconstructive surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Adil
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Xu
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Siba Haykal
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Siba Haykal
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Functional reconstruction of injured corpus cavernosa using 3D-printed hydrogel scaffolds seeded with HIF-1α-expressing stem cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2687. [PMID: 32483116 PMCID: PMC7264263 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Injury of corpus cavernosa results in erectile dysfunction, but its treatment has been very difficult. Here we construct heparin-coated 3D-printed hydrogel scaffolds seeded with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)-mutated muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to develop bioengineered vascularized corpora. HIF-1α-mutated MDSCs significantly secrete various angiogenic factors in MDSCs regardless of hypoxia or normoxia. The biodegradable scaffolds, along with MDSCs, are implanted into corpus cavernosa defects in a rabbit model to show good histocompatibility with no immunological rejection, support vascularized tissue ingrowth, and promote neovascularisation to repair the defects. Evaluation of morphology, intracavernosal pressure, elasticity and shrinkage of repaired cavernous tissue prove that the bioengineered corpora scaffolds repair the defects and recover penile erectile and ejaculation function successfully. The function recovery restores the reproductive capability of the injured male rabbits. Our work demonstrates that the 3D-printed hydrogels with angiogenic cells hold great promise for penile reconstruction to restore reproductive capability of males. Injury of corpus cavernosa results in erectile dysfunction, and repair leading to restoration of function is difficult. Here the authors construct 3D printed hydrogel constructs seeded with HIF-1α-expressing muscle derived stem cells to restore corpus function in a rabbit model.
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Complete Human Penile Scaffold for Composite Tissue Engineering: Organ Decellularization and Characterization. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16368. [PMID: 31704952 PMCID: PMC6841966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Reconstruction for total penile defects presents unique challenges due to its anatomical and functional complexity. Standard methods suffer from high complication rates and poor functional outcomes. In this work we have developed the first protocol for decellularizing whole-organ human penile specimens for total penile tissue engineering. The use of a hybrid decellularization scheme combining micro-arterial perfusion, urethral catheter perfusion and external diffusion enabled the creation of a full-size scaffold with removal of immunogenic components. Decellularization was complete as assessed by H&E and immunohistochemistry, while quantification of residual DNA showed acceptably low levels (<50 ng/mg). An intact ECM was maintained with histologic architecture preservation on H&E and SEM as well as preservation of key proteins such as collagen-1, laminin and fibronectin and retention of growth factors VEGF (45%), EGF (57%) and TGF-beta1 (42%) on ELISA. Post-decellularization patency of the cavernosal arteries for future use in reseeding was demonstrated. Scaffold biocompatibility was evaluated using human adipose-derived stromal vascular cells. Live/Dead stains showed the scaffold successfully supported cell survival and expansion. Influence on cellular behavior was seen with significantly higher expression of VWF, COL1, SM22 and Desmin as compared to cell monolayer. Preliminary evidence for regional tropism was also seen, with formation of microtubules and increased endothelial marker expression in the cavernosa. This report of successful decellularization of the complete human phallus is an initial step towards developing a tissue engineered human penile scaffold with potential for more successfully restoring cosmetic, urinary and sexual function after complete penile loss.
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Andrew TW, Kanapathy M, Murugesan L, Muneer A, Kalaskar D, Atala A. Towards clinical application of tissue engineering for erectile penile regeneration. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 16:734-744. [PMID: 31649327 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-019-0246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Penile wounds after traumatic and surgical amputation require reconstruction in the form of autologous tissue transfers. However, currently used techniques are associated with high infection rates, implant erosion and donor site morbidity. The use of tissue-engineered neocorpora provides an alternative treatment option. Contemporary tissue-engineering strategies enable the seeding of a biomaterial scaffold and subsequent implantation to construct a neocorpus. Tissue engineering of penile tissue should focus on two main strategies: first, correcting the volume deficit for structural integrity in order to enable urinary voiding in the standing position and second, achieving erectile function for sexual activity. The functional outcomes of the neocorpus can be addressed by optimizing the use of stem cells and scaffolds, or alternatively, the use of gene therapy. Current research in penile tissue engineering is largely restricted to rodent and rabbit models, but the use of larger animal models should be considered as a better representation of the anatomical and physiological function in humans. The development of a cell-seeded scaffold to achieve and maintain erection continues to be a considerable challenge in humans. However, advances in penile tissue engineering show great promise and, in combination with gene therapy and surgical techniques, have the potential to substantially improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom W Andrew
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Muholan Kanapathy
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Log Murugesan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Asif Muneer
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Deepak Kalaskar
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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Construction of engineered corpus cavernosum with primary mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:18053. [PMID: 29273785 PMCID: PMC5741727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Various methods have been used to reconstruct the penis. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of constructing engineered corpus cavernosum with primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rabbit model in vitro. Acellular corporal matrices (ACMs) were obtained from adult rabbit penile tissues through an established decellularization procedure. MSCs were separated, purified, and then seeded on ACMs to construct engineered corpus cavernosum. The seeded ACMs were subsequently cultured in an incubator for 14 days. Histological analyses showed that MSCs seeded on the ACMs had proliferated and were well distributed. Detection of CD31, vWF, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and myosin protein as well as vWF and myosin mRNA revealed that the MSCs had differentiated into endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. In addition, cell morphology of the engineered corpus cavernosum was directly observed by transmission electron microscopy. This study demonstrated that engineered corpus cavernosum could be successfully constructed using primary MSCs in vitro. This technology represents another step towards developing engineered corpus cavernosum in vitro.
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Vocht DE, Kemp V, Iljas J, Bosch JR, Kort LM, Graaf P. A systematic review on cell‐seeded tissue engineering of penile corpora. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:687-694. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien E.C.M. Vocht
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Kemp
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - J.D. Iljas
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - J.L.H. Ruud Bosch
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Laetitia M.O. Kort
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Petra Graaf
- Department of UrologyUniversity Medical Centre Utrecht Utrecht The Netherlands
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Kajbafzadeh AM, Abbasioun R, Sabetkish N, Sabetkish S, Habibi AA, Tavakkolitabassi K. In vivo human corpus cavernosum regeneration: fabrication of tissue-engineered corpus cavernosum in rat using the body as a natural bioreactor. Int Urol Nephrol 2017; 49:1193-1199. [DOI: 10.1007/s11255-017-1582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Peng G, Liu H, Fan Y. Biomaterial Scaffolds for Reproductive Tissue Engineering. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 45:1592-1607. [PMID: 28004214 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive system usually involves gamete producing gonads, a series of specialized ducts, accessory glands and the external genitalia. Despite there are many traditional methods such as hormonal and surgical approaches, at present no effective treatments exist to help patients suffering from serious diseases of reproductive system, including congenital and acquired abnormalities, malignant tumor, traumatic, infectious etiologies, inflammation and iatrogenic injuries. Tissue engineering holds promise for reproductive medicine through the development of biological alternative. Till now, a diverse range of biomaterials have been utilized as suitable substrates to match both the mechanical and biological context of reproductive tissues. The current review will focus mainly on the applications of biomaterial scaffolds and their major achievements in each region of reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Peng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xue Yuan Road No. 37, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xue Yuan Road No. 37, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xue Yuan Road No. 37, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
- National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, 100176, People's Republic of China.
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Laks M, Freitas-Filho LG, Sayeg K, Leite MTC, Teixeira LC. Penile reconstruction using mesenchymal stem cells. Acta Cir Bras 2015; 30:529-36. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020150080000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Rana D, Zreiqat H, Benkirane-Jessel N, Ramakrishna S, Ramalingam M. Development of decellularized scaffolds for stem cell-driven tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 11:942-965. [PMID: 26119160 DOI: 10.1002/term.2061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Organ transplantation is an effective treatment for chronic organ dysfunctioning conditions. However, a dearth of available donor organs for transplantation leads to the death of numerous patients waiting for a suitable organ donor. The potential of decellularized scaffolds, derived from native tissues or organs in the form of scaffolds has been evolved as a promising approach in tissue-regenerative medicine for translating functional organ replacements. In recent years, donor organs, such as heart, liver, lung and kidneys, have been reported to provide acellular extracellular matrix (ECM)-based scaffolds through the process called 'decellularization' and proved to show the potential of recellularization with selected cell populations, particularly with stem cells. In fact, decellularized stem cell matrix (DSCM) has also emerged as a potent biological scaffold for controlling stem cell fate and function during tissue organization. Despite the proven potential of decellularized scaffolds in tissue engineering, the molecular mechanism responsible for stem cell interactions with decellularized scaffolds is still unclear. Stem cells interact with, and respond to, various signals/cues emanating from their ECM. The ability to harness the regenerative potential of stem cells via decellularized ECM-based scaffolds has promising implications for tissue-regenerative medicine. Keeping these points in view, this article reviews the current status of decellularized scaffolds for stem cells, with particular focus on: (a) concept and various methods of decellularization; (b) interaction of stem cells with decellularized scaffolds; (c) current recellularization strategies, with associated challenges; and (iv) applications of the decellularized scaffolds in stem cell-driven tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Rana
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Bengaluru) Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, India
| | - Hala Zreiqat
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nadia Benkirane-Jessel
- INSERM, Osteoarticular and Dental Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory, UMR 1109, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Centre for Nanofibres and Nanotechnology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore
| | - Murugan Ramalingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Bengaluru) Christian Medical College Campus, Vellore, India
- WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Decaluwé K, Pauwels B, Boydens C, Van de Voorde J. Treatment of erectile dysfunction: new targets and strategies from recent research. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 121:146-57. [PMID: 24291648 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, research on penile erection has increasingly been centered on the molecular mechanisms involved. Major progress has been made in the field and at present a whole number of neurotransmitters, chemical effectors, growth factors, second-messenger molecules, ions, intercellular proteins, and hormones have been characterized as components of the complex process of erection. This knowledge has led to the discovery of several new therapeutic targets and multiple medical approaches for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). This review focuses on the progress made in this field within the last few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Decaluwé
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Pauwels
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C Boydens
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Van de Voorde
- Department of Pharmacology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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